News & Analysis
The latest news and analysis from PEN America’s research and advocacy.
Jump to:
Press Releases • Commentary
PEN America Endorses Appeal for New UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy
The statement, led by Democracy without Borders, warned on Monday that “democracy is threatened and authoritarianism is on the rise.” It stresses the urgency for the UN to actively… More
PEN America Files Amicus Brief in Case Against Texas Law Requiring Ratings for Sexual Content on Books Sold to Public Schools
(NEW YORK)—PEN America has filed an amicus brief in the Fifth Circuit in the case of Book People v. Wong, challenging Texas’s HB 900, which requires booksellers to “rate”… More
Cancelled Film on Israel Deprives a NY Campus of Important Conversation Amid Crisis
“The decision to cancel this film is totally antithetical to the principles of free expression and academic freedom to which Hunter College must adhere. At this moment of heightened… More
PEN America Speaks: How We Defended and Celebrated Free Expression The Week of November 13
PEN America works tirelessly to defend free expression, support persecuted writers, and promote literary culture. Here are some of the latest ways PEN America is speaking out. More
Decision by University of Southern California to Bar Professor from Teaching This Semester for Anti-Hamas Remarks is a “Shocking Overreaction,” Says PEN America
“Totally barring a professor from campus because of a passing comment like this is a shocking overreaction. Regardless of Professor Strauss’s intent, he is entitled to his views and… More
Marietta, GA School Board Upholds Ban on Flamer, Book by Mike Curato
“In September, PEN America said this policy decision would lead to censorship - and we are disturbed to find that it has. While two parents were able to ban… More
PEN America Calls on Israeli Government to Rescind Inflammatory Rhetoric, Threats Against Palestinian Journalists
(NEW YORK)—PEN America called on the Israeli government today to immediately rescind inflammatory rhetoric and threats against freelance Palestinian photojournalists who supplied news agencies with images of Hamas’ unprecedented… More
PEN America Speaks: How We Defended and Celebrated Free Expression The Week of November 6
PEN America works tirelessly to defend free expression, support persecuted writers, and promote literary culture. Here are some of the latest ways PEN America is speaking out. More
PEN America Urges Texas School to Reverse Decision to Kick Trans Student Out of Lead Role in Musical Oklahoma!
“This is a cruel decision guided by a ‘criteria’ that the district admits is applied unevenly. It is yet another example of threats to free expression for LGBTQ+ students,… More
Deep Concern Over Arrest of Author Ahed Tamimi in West Bank, Reportedly Over Social Media Posts
We are deeply concerned about reports that she is being held in incommunicado detention without charge. Tamimi's detention on the basis of protected expression cannot be justified; we urge… More